J. J Rawlings Criticizes Ghanaian Movies: "You Over Dramatize Your Scenes Too Much"

Last week Friday marked another memorable night in the calendar of Ghanaian movies, as Ex-President of Ghana's fourth Republic, Jerry John Rawlings  attended the premiere of the movie titled 'The Masked,' from the stables of Hau of Kadewe.

The premiere brought together dignitaries like the former Captain of the Ghana national football team (Stephen Appiah), H.E Timothy Mwab, Walamoa, H.E Ndhlove, Rev. Dr Lawrence Tetteh, Chief Dele Momodu, ministers  and other statesmen.
 
After the premiere, the lead Actress 'Nana Akua Addo expressed her gratitude to the former president for attending the premiere. “Well, the fact that the former president made it to the premiere is a big motivation not to me alone but the industry as a whole. Because most of the time we perceive that people at the top don't really show much interest in the Arts. We sometimes don't book them in our dealings. President Rawlings's coming to the premiere has helped clear that perception” she noted.
 
Ex-President Rawlings in an interview with the media expressed worry about what he describes as a false representation of real issues bedeviling the Ghanaian society in local movies. He challenged film makers to produce films that the public can identify with and not to lose touch with reality in their movies.
  
“I think what we ought to do is to be truthful to themselves, to be realistic as possible, bring things home to people. Don't over dramatize it, don't create undue melodrama because there is enough drama in our lives, there is enough pain in our lives” he said.
 
He also urged television stations across the country to help put the story of Nkuli out to educate the public, so that people can wake up to some of the realities that people go through, the violations that people would have to go through, the humiliations that people would have to go through and the consequences.
  
“In effect, let's begin to humanize ourselves. The HIV issue is a test on our conscience, on our manhood”. The Deputy High Commissioner of Zambia, Chola Chama also appealed to men to stop abusing women.

Meanwhile, internationally renowned evangelist, Dr Lawrence Tettey is optimistic there will be a cure for HIV soon. Nkuli (The Masked) tells the story of a young girl and her two siblings, Kwame and Gye Nyame who had to face the harsh realities of life after the untimely death of their parents.
 
They found themselves in the care of a wicked aunt who ushered Nkuli into prostitution, as a means of generating income for the family's upkeep – a step that led to her contracting HIV.

 by Elvis Rancey Baidoo

Kojo Antwi Breaks Silence On Legends & Legacy Ball:“I Never Demanded Anything From Imajin Advertizing”

Some issues in our entertainment industry just cannot be ignored despite the fact that it will be treated by all platforms in Ghana. One of such issues is the recent rumour and hearsay that Mr Music Man was the legend who was to be honoured by Imajin Advertising through their Legends and Legacy annual concert until the tables turned for A.B Crentsil.

Shockingly to some people, their first hand information has proven to be false and without facts because the legend to be honoured this year is no more Kojo Antwi as speculated. Since last week Thursday, when it became evidently clear that A.B.  is the man of the moment, accusations, speculations and grapevine distribution of information has been the order of the day. The two parties involved in this brouhaha are the organizers of Legends and Legacy Bal Imajin Advertising and the music Maestro himself Kojo Antwi.
 
We at Flex newspaper are saying speculations because none of the two parties had confirmed  the issue until last Saturday when Agyemang Prempeh, RTP nominee for best entertainment show host spoke to Kojo Antwi on phone during his Gh Entertainment show on Rainbow Radio 87.5. In the interview, Kojo Antwi admitted that he had started negotiations with Imajin Advertising and that things fell apart along the way and the center could not hold any more.

“I have also heard many people making comments about me and my involvement with the legends concert. One thing is that I have respect for A.B Crentsil because whilst he was in his elements in his profession, I was just an elementary school person looking to him at that time and I know he is among the great musicians in our music industry. I even think such people should be honoured before us, but I wont say much because every happening is God`s plan and at the right time, people will hear from us” he noted.
 
Kojo Antwi continued: “God`s time is the best so when it`s my turn and they want to honour me, it will happen. I never demanded anything strange from Imajin. Even if I will demand something, I will demand more on my stage act more than financial demands. My stagecraft is more important to me than anything. Every true artiste has his or her special demands and I am no exception to that, so when a promoter starts talking to me and he is thinking about profits, I look for qualities such as sound, my stage act and the production as a whole. I have no battle with Imajin Advertising as people are saying but at the right time, you will see me” Kojo Antwi told Agyemang in a telephone interview last Saturday. Really and truly, time will tell who will lose in these happenings.
                                        By Elvis Rancey Baidoo

Keep Your Love Relationships from the Media

I won't be an ostrich to say that the entertainment media has worked perfectly in shoring up this industry.

 Yet, even though our activities are indispensable, some of us have often times been very mischievous. It is either we have put out unsubstantiated stories, have written to tarnish the image of innocent people or have aided in destroying celebrity relationships.
   
 I agree to an extent that when one becomes a public figure, they lose much of their privacy. Yes, some amount of your privacy will be gone depending on your popularity. The more popular you are, the lesser privacy you have.However, the celebrity can hide certain things from the media. There are certain things that unless you allow yourself for them to come out, no one would hear of them. In short, you can manage your privacy so that most of the things you wish not heard in public lie low.
  
 I am one person who thinks, every celebrity should keep their relationship out of the media, if they seek the longevity of that union. This is because actions of the media can jeopardize a relationship. To me, the best people to solve a relationship problem are the partners themselves. Anytime one comes to settle a relationship dispute, they become 'third persons.' The moment you allow much of your relationship stuff to be out in the media for discussion, people who don't know jack about relationship will tell you what to do and if you don't take care, your union will end up on the rocks.

 There is not a modicum of sense in trying to solve a relationship problem of a celebrity in a newspaper, on a website or on radio. It is even not right discussing a showbizer's relationship issue in the media.So if by accident issues pertaining to one's relationship get to a media person you don't make so much noise about it. That is why I was mad that when gospel diva Christiana Love (now Obaapa Christie) had issues with ex-hubby Pastor Love, a certain morning show host under the pretext of getting matters solved, went about causing more pain and hurt. Meanwhile, he also had serious issues with his relationship. Instead of concentrating on caring for his wife and kids in the UK, he was talking about Christie and Love. And this is the only time morning show hosts will talk entertainment; when there is negativity.
  
 Not long ago, it was in the news that Keita and Eazzy were no longer couple. Well, it is not strange. Any other person in the world can get into a relationship and quit at anytime and there can be several reasons why there will be that break up. Jim Iyke and Nadia Buari are also so much in the news nowadays and I wonder why these guys would want people to hear so much of their relationship. Maybe they are forgetting to notice what evil the stalking media can do to them. If their relationship is real (not meant for hype) and they want it to grow into what they want it to be, they best need to stop the twitter chat and do private conversation.

Getting a bit superstitious, we are in a continent in which superstition is part of us. Believe it or not the tendency of one using a spiritual power to bewitch you for no apparent reason is rife. Those who do not want your relationship to flourish would easily get ways of destroying you when they know much about you. The destruction could even be through physical means. The fact that you are celebrity doesn't mean you should let everybody know every little step that you take in life. Try to hide certain things for a long while and make them surprises at the long run.
  
When Kwabena Kwabena had a relationship problem to contend with some years ago, I remember how a certain newspaper treated the story. They took it so personal that one wondered if they have squabbles with the fine crooner. With that action, even if there was anything to have been done to salvage the relationship, it couldn't hold. The same thing was done to Agya Koo and the ex-wife, not forgetting Esther Smith and her former husband.
 
These are the reasons why I think I would always advise people in the media to spare our celebrities with their relationship issues, with the exception of those that have good lesson for others (just like how Annica supports her husband Okyeame Kwame in his music career). Yes, they make the juiciest news but we must be circumspect not to break unions in our bid to feed people with news. And to the celebrities, do well to hide your relationship from the media.


Kwame Dadzie

Philips Endorses Yvonne Okoro TV Show

Yvonne Okoro

World acclaimed engineering and electronics company, Philips has endorsed popular Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Okoro’s upcoming TV Show, Dining With .

The show, scheduled to start airing in 2014 is produced by Yvonne Okoro’s Desamour Company in collaboration with IFACTORY live and supported by Philips.
Philips has offered the actress a juicy package for the show and the decision to do so was to contribute to Ghana’s creative arts industry and Africa’s entertainment in general to otherwise give its consumers, a diverse way of exploring its product lines.
A leading producer of electronics, Phillips product lines are of great value and organized into three main partitions including; Philips Consumer Lifestyle, Philips Healthcare and Philips Lighting.
Yvonne is likely to highlight one of the three product lines on her cooking program.
Philips remains the world’s largest manufacturer of lighting in the world measured by applicable revenues and other great feats.
It does not just sponsor or affiliate with any program on TV or a brand.
It must be a quality production to merit its support and endorsement. Hence, the decision to rally behind the first Ghanaian actress to be featured on BBC Newsday Live and BBC Focus On Africa with Komla Dumor is a good sign to indicate something amazing is coming from Yvonne Okoro.
Creative arts has no doubt a lot to offer in the area of economic gains, therefore  the merge with Philip’s brand has the great potentials of reaching new markets and maintaining existing ones for the company.

                    Francis Addo

“If I Were Kojo Antwi”... How The Music Man Disappointed His Fans!!!

 Kojo Antwi

Ever since I had the conviction to write this story for publication after grapevine information started coming in that Maestro Kojo Antwi might not be celebrated in this year`s Legends and Legacy Ball, I said to myself, who am I to make suggestions to one musician who believes in his brand that it is the best that ever happened to Ghana music. Or better still, who am I to advise the Maestro of Ghana music who started music whilst I was breast feeding( just may be).

But I am still tempted to write this regardless of not what  Music Man Kojo Antwi alone upon seeing this might say, but what fans, media people and critics including the non entities might say about me and may be the medium Flex newspaper. Information about the launch of the Legends and Legacy Ball is already out and from all angles, it does not seem like it will be Kojo Antwi. Incase, it becomes Kojo Antwi in the long run, then I will take back my words and change my mind because it has been said that is it only the fool who does not change his mind. Now imagine writing a poem for Imajin Advertising starting with “if I were Kojo Antwi”, this is how mine would be like.
  
“If I were Kojo Antwi, the first thing I will consider in the Legends concert will be my fans who are willing and pushing that I should be the next person to be celebrated. From scratch, the team at Imajin Advertising and their media executives have told media people that they do a survey among event goers to select who they should celebrate. What it means is that, it is the not the guys at Imajin Advertising who chose Kojo Antwi but the fans, so why will Mr Music Man ignore his fans at a time that they need him most. The fans make and break people in showbiz so to ignore them can be very detrimental to one`s career.
 
“If I were Kojo Antwi, I would just consider what the media people who have promoted my songs after Amakye Dede`s celebration would say after declining to be celebrated. I recall one Sunday afternoon where Kofi Asare Brako Abatey played Kojo Antwi`s songs back to back and stated categorically on numerous occasions on air that Kojo Antwi is next to be celebrated in the Legends concert. Will they continue to play his songs if they feel Kojo Kojo disappointed them? Well, for the guys at Imajin Advertising to think that the public did not know that they started negotiations with Kojo Antwi, then it means they are angels themselves and see every body as such. To say they were in crisis at a point looking for the next artiste to celebrate was the truth but who will accept and confirm this? Bro Kojo, you need the media especially the guys at Peace fm and their close cronies from other radio stations who will be instrumental in maintaining your image  and stature as one of Ghana`s music icons.
 
“If I were Kojo Antwi, finally I will hold my own press conference to explain why I pulled out of this concert before fans and critics will begin to bad mouth me. We are hearing more as to what contributed to the no show and all the information so far does not put the Maestro Kojo Antwi in a positive light so will put out my concern first. They say good name is better than riches, so I would like to protect my name first before some people with wrong information will damage it with their ignorance.
  
Again, if it remains Kojo Antwi then these words will be useless because there would not be the need to consider them. Meanwhile, because Kojo Antwi is different from me, he is not under any obligation to think just like I am thinking. Well, with this I am not advising but only suggesting humbly because, they say “what an elder will see sitting, the child will not see even if he climbs a tree... Only time will tell people!!!


ELVIS RANCEY BAIDOO

Another Secret Marriage Exposed: Actor Eddie Watson Marries An Actress

Gradually, Ghana`s showbiz industry is adapting to Hollywood celebrity marriages.

In the paparazzi-crazed world, some stars still manage to slip away and have their special day in private. Some of these specials days being mainly marriage and some special celebration by the stars and the people around them. Flex newspaper`s investigations have once again revealed one secret wedding which happened at the blind side of all media people in the country.
 
Check out the marriage certificate of a celeb who slipped away for a secret wedding at the registrar of marriages... Actor Eddie Watson got hitched! The Ghanaian actor secretly wed his beautiful girlfriend, television actress Naomi Woode, a cast in the first season of Venus films; 'The 5 brides' in the first week of October.

“It was super-small but very romantic and beautiful,” a source told Flex newspaper of the quiet ceremony, which was attended by "just a few" close friends and relatives. No other celebrity was present. While the couple is rarely photographed together, they have reportedly known each other for "two years."
  
The two got together after the premiere of the movie that brought the actor into limelight “4play reloaded”. Congrats, Mr. Watson! And we trust you wouldn't say in public that it was a scene in one of your upcoming movies like an actor we know of. What we know is that in movies they sign just like you have done but real names are not used as in your case. We wish you well in your marriage as marriage has been known to be a divine union ordained by the almighty God.


             
Flex Investigation team
 

Mafikizolo's ''khona'' Rules In Ghana

I have gone to different nightclubs, pubs, joints and other social places and gatherings and one thing is very clear; the song ''Khona'' is played almost everywhere and enjoyed by both the young and the old.''Khona'' is even played on many radio stations and television stations.

Mafikizolo

 In as much as most people do not understand a word in the song, anytime it's played, people try to sing along and dance to it. As a matter of fact, the song ''khona'' is a big hit in the country and I find it very difficult to understand why that is the case.
  
''Khona'' is a song by Mafikizolo which is an Afro-pop group from South Africa. Mafikizolo is made up of Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe. In as much as many Ghanaians enjoy the song, the song was sang in the Zulu language which many Ghanaians do not understand. ''Khona'' which features Uhuru is one of the tracks on Mafikizolo's ''Reunited'' album which was released in February, 2013.''Khona'' simply means '' there'' or ''at that place''.
 
As at October 4, 2013 at 10:50pm when I checked on youtube.com, I realized the ''khona'' music video had recorded 831,012 views just within five months. The music video has also been nominated in the 2013 4Syte TV Music Video Awards for the Best African Act Video award. This gives a clear understanding and picture of how accepted 'khona' has become worldwide.

I believe anything African should be embraced by every African. I am happy that ''Khona'' is enjoyed by everybody but I am a bit worried about a phenomenon that is creeping into our entertainment industry. I am quite certain that many radio presenters or Djs who play ''khona'' religiously have not been paid any payola to do so. Notwithstanding the fact that they have not been paid any dime, they seem to be promoting the song so much to the detriment of Ghana-made songs.
 
I stand to be corrected but I am forced to believe that many radio presenters or DJ's who are promoting ''khona'' are doing so much more than for  the Ghana-made songs for which the artistes have even paid huge amounts of cash as payola.
  
There are many artistes who have very good songs but do not have their songs played on radio but here we are, we promote a song from South Africa and leave behind our own songs. Is it not a disgrace? Is it the right thing to do? ''Khona'' is a nice song but I believe our priority should be geared towards promoting any good Ghana-made song first of all before we promote works from other countries.

Radio presenters and djs can continue playing the khona track but they should not forget to also promote songs of Ghanaian artistes for which they have been paid payola and even any good song from any Ghanaian artiste even without the payment of payola.  Let's love and promote our own before we do so for others.                                                               
                                          By  Elvis Rancey Baidoo

Our Industry Lacks Mentors: No Wonder We Can`t Go Beyond Better!!!

In any profitable industry the world over, there is always the need to get some people ahead of you who will act as mentors when the end seems too near. Unfortunately, in the entertainment industry in Ghana, there are no mentors so many of us suffer when we get to our peak.

 How can it happen that it is only in our industry that actors, musicians, dancers, fashion designers and what have you get to their peak and do not know what to do next, then out of desperation another new person in the industry will overtake them making their efforts over the years useless. This is one of the reasons why many in our arts and entertainment industry fail after hitting the top of their career.

Sarkodie`s signing of the Konvict deal came out for discussion last week and many were of the view that, if Sarkodie felt the deal was not a lucrative one, then there was no need going ahead to sign it. Such people congratulated Sarkodie for not signing but we at Flex newspaper respectfully disagree with those views on the following premises.
 
First of all Sarkodie needed that deal because he has done all he needed to do in Ghana and therefore nothing will be so new for him again in the music industry. Due to the fact that there is no record of any musician who has risen quickly like Sarkodie has done, he needed at least somebody in that area to direct his path and until he will get such a lead, Sarkodie will be there until another artiste overtake him from nowhere.
 
 The second thing is also that, the people around him might not have that expertise to push Sarkodie to cover different grounds else where, therefore the need for fresh brains and fresh directions is paramount.
   
We should not be deceived that what has happened to Sarkodie in terms of how successful he is in the music business has not happened to other people before.  Many artistic people have gotten to that level but because of lack of direction in their career, they plummeted again and today they are no where to be found. Which successful musicians can serve as mentors to our current crop of musicians, actors, dancers, radio presenters and even entertainment writers.

MUSIGA Executives Visit British Musicians Union

As Part of the Twinning agreement between the Musicians Union of Ghana(MUSIGA) and the British Musicians Union(BMU), The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana has led a delegation of MUSIGA Executives to the United Kingdom on a 10 day working visit.

Already the team has held meetings with the General Secretary of BMU and President of the International Federation of Musicians(FIM) John Smith and the past Chairman of the BMU Executive Council Danny Langstaff  where a wide range of issues including membership

development, Collective bargaining, industry rate standardization, Collective management, UK musicians participation Ghana Music week 2014, among others were discussed.
The delegation has also held meetings with the coordinator of British Underground, a British Arts Council funded institution to grow and promote British Musicians around the world.  British underground will be sending a group to participate in Ghana Music Week 2014 and a Ghanaian underground group will also be invited to take part in the British underground festival in 2014 .  There is also a prospect to have collaboration between Ghanaian musicians and UK musicians under the relationship that is being established for the promotion of musical cultures of the two countries over a 3 year period.
The team has visited the MU East and South Regional Office where they were taken through the entire operational processes of that office and how aspects of them can  be adopted to improve service delivery to Ghana and members of MUSIGA.
The delegation will visit and hold meetings with PPL, PRS & Music Publishers Association of the UK.  Furthermore, the delegation will travel to Cardiff to participate in the ongoing WOMEX 13 Festival. At WOMEX, the team will join 2 other members of Musiga, Appiah Dankwa(Appietus) and Paa kwesi Holdbrook(Paa K) who were selected by Musiga to receive sponsorship from the British Council to participate in the   Festival.
The delegation includes: the General Secretary- Mrs. Deborah Nyameye Anaman and The Director of Special Projects –Fiifi Khan Agyarkwah (Rev).                                                                                     

Holy Ghost Arrests Actor Kwaku Manu, As He Starts Preaching On The Streets

A time will come very soon that all celebrities in Ghana will become men of God and will take to the streets to preach the word of God to lost souls in the world. After Lord Kenya, Ofori Amponsah and many others, the new celebrity to be arrested by Holy Ghost is popular Kumawood actor Kwaku Manu.

Flex newspaper reporters were in Kumasi last week and we have filed this report for our cherished readers. Information reaching us is that ace actor Kwaku Manu has decided to take to the streets to do what is popularly known as dawn broadcasting in his vicinity and areas close to him. This is because he has now seen God and has decided to change his ways of life. Listening to an interview with Kwaku Manu on Nhyira Fm, he told listeners that he has been a staunch Christian since infancy but because of his acting career, he lost focus at a point to pay attention to his blossoming career.
  
“In fact I am not a new person in God`s business. I started doing dawn broadcast when I was a child and I did that till I found my way into the acting business. Because I was busy during my acting days, I was not getting enough time to preach. Also I think God knows why he decided I wait until this time that he has made me who I am today. It is now clear that if I start doing the work of God, I will have a great impact on the people because of my stature in society and my popularity. I don't intend to start a new church like some people have done but I am just about to do the work of God more seriously than before” Kwaku Manu told Nhyira fm Entertainment Power House host Austin last week Saturday.
 
There are some people in the industry who think that if Kwaku Manu is really called by God, then he should take his new life out of the media since that might make people doubt his true calling for the work of God. For your information, Kwaku Manu is now a preacher on the streets.
                        by     Elvis Rancey Baidoo

Ghanaian Kissing Actors Are @ Risk (part 2)

Three weeks ago, two Ghanaian actors revealed (on anonymity) to Flex newspaper that   Ghanaian film makers don't screen them medically before casting them to play roles that involve kissing.
 Some people in our showbiz industry doubted the story simply because our sources debarred us from publishing their names. In fact, Dr. Cann, host of Happy 98.9 FM's Saturday entertainment programme' Showbiz Xtra' lambasted Flex newspaper Editor Samuel Atuobi Baah; remarking “Sammy you should not have done such a story. Some of the actors are angry at you.”   'The truth is one and cannot be hidden forever.'Unknown to Dr. Cann and others, many of our Ghanaian actors rather took keen interest in the story because their health is at risk. In case you don't know, list of infections one can contract through kissing are: HIV, Hepatitis-B, Warts, Swine flu, Infectious mononucleosis, Otitis media, Tonsillitis, Mumps, Chickenpox, Measles, Slapped cheek syndrome and the likes.    Following up on the same story, three celebrated Ghanaian actors have re-confirmed to Flex newspaper that our Ghanaian film makers don't screen them medically before casting them for roles that involve passionate kissing. Read what promising actress and communication savvy, Ebi Bright, told your authoritative Flex newspaper:

OSARFO: Do our film makers screen you guys before casting you for roles that involve deep kissing? EBI: What?! Eerrmm no. Funny, nobody talks about this at all. Most Ghanaian Film makers are very careless about our sexual health. I guess we're pretty careless about this particular issue. If you give me a role, once I think my co-star is relatively clean, that's it! I remember worrying about Hepatitis B but I vaccinated and then forgot about any other risk.
 OSARFO: Is this topic necessary to talk about?
 EBI: Absolutely! There actually are many diseases that I know can be transmitted orally including Oral Gonorrhea, thrush, warts, herpes and many other mouth and throat infections! This is a topic not only for actors but for the general public! Hmm... This is getting scarier the more we talk about it!!!
 OSARFO: would you agree with me that you took a deadly risk in the movies that you deeply kissed actors without knowing their medical status?
 EBI: Well yeah... With the profoundest respect to the very few I have kissed. They took a risk with me too! Let me simplify it by stating that we all took the risks. Fortunately, they've all been pretty neat, nice fellows who I call friends now, but that has nothing to do with the issue we're discussing. I guess we don't expect that our co-star has anything harmful to share with us on set, but with all intimate relations there must be the highest degree of discretionary protection. I thank you for asking, as now I don't see myself engaging in this kind of risk in the future.
  OSARFO: Have you ever unfurled this issue before any Ghanaian film maker and what was the response?
 EBI: Noo... like I said earlier, no one even thinks of this, and that's why it's so dangerous! We're almost like a family and you'd be surprised how protective and possessive we are about each other. Trust is pretty solid within the industry especially across sexes. I must state categorically that it is unlikely that the caliber of film makers we have today would dismiss this issue. I consider myself one of the most risk-taking and vocal actresses but I haven't raised this issue! Your feature is groundbreaking so I thank you in advance for prompting us and spearheading change because I know that the powers that be will respond promptly and positively to this.
 OSARFO: Do you know whether film makers in other continents or countries screen actors medically before casting them?
 EBI: I'm pretty sure that they do. People are pretty discriminating elsewhere generally. They are more informed and more vocal about things like this. We are also getting there, wait and see, because who can ignore an issue like this?
 OSARFO: Your last words on this issue……
 EBI: The saddest thing for me would be for people to reduce this issue to a lambasting of film producers. Everyone must share the responsibility. Actors, producers, policy and regulation makers as well, because there have to be standards and conditions for work, as in any other profession. I look at this as a prompting of not only the industry, but also public attention towards greater discretion in our general physical conduct.
 
Plump but beautiful actress Roslyn Ngissah told Flex newspaper “they (Ghanaian film makers) don't screen us, at least as far as I am concerned; no film maker has ever screened me before I was casted to play any role in any film. I agree with you if you say we are at risk but what can we do? This is an industrial issue we all have to talk about because it's crucial for our work.”

Speaking to multiple award winning actor Van Vicker, he said “this is a serious issue you want to write about. Those who are at risk are actors like me who kiss in almost every movie we are casted for. I once did Hepatitis B screening with my family when the Hepatitis-B epidemic hit our faces some time back. It was then that I learnt one could contract Hepatitis-B through kissing.

At that time, I had kissed an actress in a movie for almost 2 minutes so I screened to known my medical status as far as the disease is concerned. I can't mention names but I believe in other film making countries, some A-list actors would require film makers to screen them medically or vice versa just to know the medical fitness of the actor for a role. Especially roles that involve stunts. I personally don't tongue-kiss in movies but many others do and even go over boards.”

Flex newspaper is still compiling reactions from our film makers. Now that some actors have come out boldly, we promise to bring reactions from the film makers too regard this topic; Should Ghanaian film makers screen actors medically before casting them for roles that involve kissing? Keep reading Flex newspaper, Ghana's most authoritative and credible print media.

Dancehall Artiste Fontomfrom Shuts Samini and Shatta Wale Up

The Dancehall scene in Ghana is heating up and finally receiving its due recognition possibly as a result of the controversies surrounding some of its key members.

Samini has claimed that he reigns supreme when it comes to Dancehall in Ghana but Bandana aka Shatta Wale thinks otherwise. Bandan's 'Dancehall King' song has been described as one that would finally prove to Samini that the former is really the King, while fans of Samini think he has carved a niche that will take years for Bandana to carve.
 
This led to a nasty 'altercation' between the camps of both artistes and as we speak, there's still some tension.
However, veteran Dancehall artiste Fontomfrom seeks to correct the misconception created by his fellow artistes. He believes both Samini and Bandana do not deserve the crown due to their behavior. In his words:
 "Kingship is for leaders not people who act like kids". Fontomfrom also said "Kings are chosen by the people so they should stop claiming the crown for themselves".
 
So when will the debate about who the dancehall king  come to an end? Well, listen to Fontomfrom's new song "Facebook Badboy" and find out for yourself. Perhaps he deserves the crown.

Flex newspaper

Blakk Rasta Takes Up New Social Responsibility

From the beginning of this crusade which is being championed by top reggae musician and radio presenter Blakk Rasta, many thought he was only doing it as a content for his Taxi Driver reggae show on radio, but after carefully following him and his activities on air, it is clear Blakk Rasta is up to something very positive.

He is indeed pushing the agenda of getting the right people with legal powers to come behind the former stars of the future candidate Ramzy to “fight” for his freedom. Take it or leave it, what the award winning reggae musician and presenter is doing will surely yield some positive results because more influential people and legal brains in the country follow his programme religiously (apologies to Lawyer Tabiosori) hope I got to name right.
 
Now this is what Blakk Rasta is doing with his large platform in the capital. During one of his programmes, he conducted an interview with mother of the incarcerated musician and he did the honourable thing by recording the interview. Blakk Rasta gave the woman an opportunity to send her plea to the president of our land John Dramani Mahama to come to her aid in giving his son a presidential pardon like it was done for his fellow jail mate called Jerry. Now Jerry is walking around town a free man because he was given a presidential amnesty but when Ramzy and his family tried an appeal, his case was aggravated abruptly. He was given an additional 10 year jail term to the years he has already served. How pathetic:  and this is what Blakk Rasta is aiming for an intervention we are sure.

Fortunately for the woman, Blakk Rasta is treating the recording of the plea on his programmes like a jingle. It will shock readers to even know that he sometimes uses the voice recording to mix some beats and knowing his versatility as the number one reggae presenter in the country owing to his numerous awards, he does it to perfection which brings a feeling of both laughter and pain. In doing this, it results in a serious campaign that he might not imagine himself. If you think that is the only action Blakk Rasta is taking to help vulnerable people in the society, then wait till you read this one too.
 
There is one woman who was maltreated by a church and its head pastor (names left out because we hear some legal tussle has started over that broadcast) and again Blakk Rasta gave the woman that fine opportunity to expose the pastor and his evil deeds. Listening to the woman who had gone blind because of what the man of God did to her, it was crystal clear that she had never dreamt of being in a radio station, but there she was speaking on one of the most listened to shows in the capital. Blakk Rasta was doing this in the name of getting some right thinking members in our society to come her aid.
  
What else can we say, we at Flex newspaper is describing Blakk Rasta as the voice of the voiceless and an advocate for positive vibes. Congratulations to Blakk Rasta for such beautiful initiatives. Hope you will start another campaign for Shaka Zulu as well

Music Duo Keche Breaks Up With Spiderlee Entertainment

Will this story confirm the information going round that musicians are not appreciative to people who help them to come up big in their profession? Have you heard that music group Keche is no more working with their management Spiderlee Entertainment?

Yes, very shocking but Flex newspaper is still delving deeper into what really happened that has caused such a great separation between two new people in the entertainment industry who started a mutual business and it has been successful for both parties. A bird close to the management team and artistes have confirmed to Flex newspaper that the two are no more together in working terms and are not likely to be seen around each other in the coming days.
 
To add insult to injury, we are gathering that the “Slow motion and Aliguitugui” hit makers Keche -De and Keche -Pa sent just a Whatsapp message to their boss and announced their break up to him which to some people shows a great sign of disrespect and gross disregard for a working relationship. To the best of our knowledge as people in the entertainment industry, Spiderlee Entertainment has contributed immensely to the business progress of Keche including taking the two to London for tours and shooting award winning videos for them.
 
Questions one would ask is what might have contributed to this break away. Meanwhile, we have just one advise to the two who are thinking at this time that they have arrived so they can manage their own affairs. They should just look around and there will be series of good stories of artistes who went separate ways with their management and then went down the drain. A word to the wise like Kwame Dadzie has been saying is in Flex newspaper.
 
As of the time of going to press last Monday, none of the people involved were willing to comment on the matter till further notice so whilst bringing this information to our readers, we will wait patiently for their response on the matter soon for publication.

Frank Artus Fights Back At Leila Djansi -Describes Her As An Attention Seeker

About a month ago, movie producer and director Leila Djansi posted on social network Face book that actor Frank Artus was one of the worst things that had happened to the movie sector and asked that he quit acting to secure another job or went back to school.

“There are some Ghana actors who should not be acting. Tomorrow, I might name some. But seriously, anyone who loves the actor Frank Artus should tell him to get another job. This is not fair. Some people try way too hard at it”, Leila wrote on Face book.

Speaking to Frank Artus, he told Flex newspaper that, because anybody could just wake up and post a statement or a story on Face book, twitter and other social media, he wouldn't really take online posts and stories serious.
 
“I have been a victim of all sorts of online rumors when people will claim someone posted it on twitter, face book,  Blackberry and the rest, so I don't really take anything that comes from such platforms serious until they are well proven,” he said.
 
When we asked what his reaction would be if he found out that Leila really wrote that on Faceb ook, Frank replied thus: “Honestly, I don't know Leila. I have no idea who she is. I personally have no idea what she does. I have not seen her movies before and I don't know how her movies look like. The only thing I know is a few movie people mention her name, so it will be hard to comment on someone whom I don't know.”
  
He added that if he is to assess the words of Leila, he would say her statement is baseless, senseless, childish and has no connection with him. “If she's the one saying that, then she might be an attention seeker,” she stated.

Mustapha A. Inusah

Our Musicians Need To Do Physical Exercise

People in the showbiz industry like dancers and musicians who perform their works on stage would find it difficult to perform well if they are not physically fit.

Most of our musicians for example, are not physically fit so are not able to put up good acts when they mount stages to perform. Especially with those musicians who would want to be jumping on stage or dancing while performing, one needs to have a strong heart to do that.
 
I have found out that an impression has been created that if you don't make unnecessary noise on stage, scream so that you lose your voice, so that you hold up the microphone for the audience to sing for you, you are not a good performer.
 
This has gone to affect even most gospel and high life musicians who hitherto would concentrate on the songs they perform than jumping about and screaming. Now they also want to be seen as active so they have started copying the hiplife musicians and their jumping about on stage. Unfortunately, most of those people don't have the cardiovascular endurance to do such strenuous things on stage. So they come on stage few minutes into a performance and they are panting like pregnant fish.
 
This affects their act so much because once tiredness sets in and the panting begins, it affects the voice and vocal delivery because one needs the normal breath from the diaphragm and pulse to produce the right notes.
I have heard most people say that music and dance is a form of exercise, a reason why most musicians would not do physical exercise aside the usual jumping about they do that gets them tired in no time but that shouldn't be the case.    As a performer, you need to do constant physical exercises. The exercise is what will make you fit when you are on stage. You exercise to get fit before you mount a stage; you don't go on stage to do exercise. Otherwise, you can't have good performance.
  
There have been many instances where some musicians have tried to be 'active' on stage as in jumping and shouting so people will think they are performing well but at last did abysmally poor because they may not have been the type that do regular physical exercise to ensure the strength of their hearts.
  
It is very important to exercise, even your doctor will tell you. Some dawn jogging on at least weekends, gym workouts, skip-roping and others help to keep the heart strong and the body is always in a healthy state.
  
Most of our performers don't do this. Rather, they eat foods full of cholesterol which they won't even have time to burn through exercise. Most of them too have also taken to alcohol, smoking and other debauchery lifestyles that weaken them slowly.
  
The truth is that the nature of their work may make it difficult to find time to do any exercise at all because they are almost on the run attending to things that will put food on their tables but if they realize that being fit is a pre requisite to making their careers better, they will allot some time for it too.
 
There so many heart ailments that are claiming lives in our time and are making others sick. In fact, most people are sick in their hearts without even knowing.  I am by this posing as a doctor for today to advise all performers to take regular physical exercise more seriously so they can have the capacity to perform well even while they are moving energetically on stage.

Kwame Dadzie

“The UTV Deal Is Better Than TV3”-Afia Schwarzeneger Replies Critics!!!

Afia Schwarzeneger

Official Statement: From the point of management and people working for the well being of the most celebrated character on our television screens these days, we felt there was no need to make some things come out of this pull out. Yet, since we realized our people wanted to know what really happened behind the scenes, we came out with some information to settle the rumours.
   In the first place, we don't have any problem with the management of Tv3 as some writers are making it seem.

It is just one of the issues that happen during hiring the services of great people in an industry. As much as that comes with some difficulties, we tried our best to make it simple for Tv3 especially. This is our resignation letter which was given to the management of the station on 25th September 2013 when we realized agreement was not the way we wanted.
 
“The Brands Manager
TV3
Accra

RESIGNATION
  “I write to inform you of my resignation as a Presenter of Music Music with effect from the 1st of October, 2013.
   This is due to the fact that I clearly informed the Brands Manager that I have an outstanding contract with Despite Group of Companies before I signed the dotted lines with TV3. It appears you now have a problem with that.
  As a result, I cannot abrogate my contract with Despite Group of Companies especially when TV3 is not ready to refund the amount to Despite Group. I will like to appreciate you for the opportunity given me.
  Thank you and counting on your cooperation
sincerely,”
    The long and short of this is that as workers, we consider our services and our remunerations and we think UTV is giving us the best deal as much as these two are concerned. So if Tv3 cannot comprehend our dealings with them, then the best decision is to resign peacefully like we have done. We appreciate the time we spent with them and will inform our followers with latest happening in our activities on television and on radio. Meanwhile, we are urging you to follow THE GAME on UTV religiously because it is the biggest thing on TV at the moment.

Signed: Publicist of Afia Schwarzeneger
Samuel Atuobi Baah
CEO/ Managing Editor Flex Newspaper

‘I am Not Controversial’- Nii Ayi Tagoe Of Joy Fm Speaks Out Finally!!!

He is one of the very few presenters in Ghana who would not hesitate to express his opinion on issues he has something to say about. His opinionated nature is felt on radio, TV and social networks. His Name is Nii Ayi Tagoe who works at Joy FM in Accra.                                             
Nii Ayi Tagoe has been with Joy FM since 2004 but had one-month stint with Meridian FM together with Chester Avernogbor. “We left when we realized they weren't really prepared. This was when they opened in 2002,” he told Flex newspaper in an interview.
   
“I've always had access to music. Ever since I was born, music has always 'been in my blood' and it's not surprising I find myself where I am today,” he explained his motivation for doing radio.Nii never trained as a DJ but met DJ Black in 1999 when he taught him how to mix music professionally. As to becoming a presenter, he learnt on the job. When asked how he felt the first day he spoke into Joy FM's microphone, he said with the likes of Cox Tamakloe, DJ Black, Komla Dumor, Stan Dogbe and a host of others with him when he joined Joy FM, he was lucky he had all the teachers one could ever wish for. “I felt great but I was limited because I hadn't had the proper training,” he added.
  
He also noted that when he started radio, people didn't think his voice was right for radio so they asked that he shouldn't even be allowed on air. At some point in time he was even told that he wasn't Joy FM material. “I wouldn't have gotten this far if it hadn't been for Cox Tamakloe who coached and the encouraged me,” he reiterated. When asked if he is controversial as some people describe him, considering his trenchant arguments and spiky comments, he replied in the negative. “I am not controversial. I say it as I see it.”
   
According to Nii Ayi Tagoe, radio has really helped him meet a whole lot of people at top level management, built partnerships and friendships that only radio and television could help one do. He gets to DJ at events and that brings in extra income. Nii, who also works as banker at Ghana Commercial Bank Limited hosts the 'Weekend City Show' and 'Rhythms A to Z' on Joy FM and is also a bencher for veteran broadcaster, Ken Addy. He is also a regular panelist on entertainment talk programme, 'The Pundits' on GHOne television.

Kwame Dad

Musiga To Cough Ghc 2m Accountability Soon

The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana Bice Obour Osei Kuffour has promised the union shall make public a special accountability report on the government's GHC 2M to the creative arts industry soon.

Flex newspaper did a story on 4th Sept, 2013 that sought to find out which stakeholders in our showbiz industry, benefited from the GHC 2M the government of Ghana approved for the creative arts sector in the 2012 fiscal budget. The other unions and or associations pointed accusing fingers at MUSIGA as the sole beneficiary of the said budget money.
 
For his response, the President of MUSIGA Bice Obour Osei Kuffour told the media some weeks ago: “this money was given to the creative arts sector through the efforts of MUSIGA so we received it on behalf of the creative arts industry. It was given for 3 basic purposes, first to conduct research to assess the contribution of music to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Ghana, secondly, organize an annual Ghana Music Fair, other wise known as Ghana Music Week celebration and thirdly rebrand and build structures for the music industry.
 
I don't understand why the government has again given the creative arts GHC 3M, we have not received the money, but the media is not asking the government about it, meanwhile, people are still asking about the GHC 2M which is almost entering its second year since the government gave out the money.

Well, we have been sending reports to the government. Nonetheless, we shall prepare a special accountability report and let you have a copy for your perusal.”Mrs. Rahmat Boakye Wasin CA of Rahmy Consult - the Financial Consultant to MUSIGA, bore out the President's promise, “we shall prepare a special report and subsequently make it available to the media very soon.”
 The President of MUSIGA has personally given his words. Let's all keep our fingers crossed for the special accountability report. That will be when we can all ask the relevant questions where necessary. Until then….MOTWUM!!

Ghanaian Celebs Betray Our Textile Industry

Its high time Ghanaian celebrities patronize Ghanaian fabric or what we popularly call African wear more than they do now; in order to promote our textile industry.

On some occasions, Ghanaian celebrities accuse Ghanaians on media platforms for not patronizing their products or services. Some put it this way: “they (the fans) will say Hiphop is not a Ghanaian genre of music but they are the same people who patronize Hiphop songs by Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Chingy and others,” “they criticize Ghanaian movies for being fraught with guns and bloody scenes but they are the same people who watch and appreciate Hollywood movies with the same scenes,” “they play foreign musicians songs without taking any money from them but they take monies from us before playing our songs,” amongst others.
  
In principle, I agree 100% with the double-standards our celebrities' quetch about - Ghanaians and our lust for foreign products at the expense of our local products; however, the argument should be a two-way one because we can't eat our cake and have it.
  
These celebrities who accuse Ghanaians for not patronising what they do are also the same people who patronize foreign products much at the expense of made in Ghana products! As an entertainment writer, I get disappointed any time I visit entertainment related events.

This is because our celebrities who should showcase made in Ghana fabrics or African wear with their status, are mostly in foreign (western) apparels. For instance, during this year's Ghana Music Awards, about 90% of the celebrities who graced the red carpet and were asked 'who are you wearing?' shamefully wore foreign fabrics and even went further to give free LPMs to the designers.

So what is the difference between you – a Ghanaian celeb, giving free LPM to an American or Italian designer in Ghana at a revered platform like GMA, to a radio presenter or DJ also playing Celine Dion or R. Kelly's songs without any charge? Nigerian celebrities rock their Nigerian prints with pride. They call it “Ankara.” The “Ankara” industry is booming in Nigeria.

The reason why I charge our celebrities to patronize made in Ghana fabrics more than they are doing currently are simple; fashion-wise, majority of the public look up to or emulate what celebrities wear. This is an undeniable fact.
  
Celebrities star-power coupled with what they wear, creates new fashion trends for the masses to follow. For example, as a young boy growing up in the 90s, I joyfully and proudly left (am sure most young soccer fans did too) a small piece of hair at the back of my head simply because the then famous footballer Abedi Pele did so too as his unique hair style.
 
I copied simply because he was a star. World acclaimed Fashion Designer and CEO of Sleek Fashion Ltd Nora Bannerman said corroboratively on GTV's Break Fast show on 21st Sep, 2013 and I quote: “celebrities are people who create fashion trends for the masses to copy most times.” Star-power is a very strong tool which I believe if our celebrities are to employ into patronising made in Ghana fabric or African wear, majority of the populace shall be influenced to follow suit.

Finally, if our celebs should patronize Ghanaian fabrics or prints and eventually the public follow, it will go a long way to resuscitate our dying textile companies or industry. Without any scientific prove, I can hazard boldly that If just 50% of our celebrities are to change their wardrobe for African print, our local textile companies could maximize profit year after year.

I pay my humble obeisance to former President John Agyekum Kuffour for his admonishment to the nation to wear African print on every Friday; however, it is not everything that calls for political or government intervention.
 
Sometimes, we the nationals should also endeavour to solve some of the nation's economic and social problems, instead of always waiting on the government or call on the government to succour situations. At this juncture, I heave a deep sigh of relief and give encomium to celebrities like Okyeame Kwame, Kojo Antwi, Blakk Rasta, Obour, and others who wear African wear, most times.
  
As for those celebrities who are not helping our local textile industry in this wise my advice to them is that 'to every effect, there is a cause.' If they long to see Ghanaians patronize what they do, they should do well to patronize made in Ghana products too; because, you can't eat your cake and have it. Until then……MOTWUM!!
                                     by    Elvis Rancey Baidoo

GH ENTERTAINMENT INFORMATION AT ITS APEX: Kofi Adoma Nwanwani For Vice President? I.P.P Boss...

GH ENTERTAINMENT INFORMATION AT ITS APEX: Kofi Adoma Nwanwani For Vice President? I.P.P Boss...: Kofi Adoma Nwanwani Information reaching your Flex newspaper has it that Mr Kofi Akpalo, leader of the Independent People's Pa...

Kofi Adoma Nwanwani For Vice President? I.P.P Boss Kofi Akpalu Needs Him Badly!!!

Kofi Adoma Nwanwani

Information reaching your Flex newspaper has it that Mr Kofi Akpalo, leader of the Independent People's Party (I.P.P) has settled on Kofi Adoma Nwanwanii of Adom FM and Multi TV as his running mate for the next general elections of the Republic of Ghana.

To be sure the news reaching this reporter has any truth in it, your reliable Voice of the Airwaves columnist immediately reached Nwanwanii and he reliably confirmed to Flex that Mr. Akpalo called him to inform him that he would like him (Kofi) to help him as his vice during the 2016 general elections.
  
As to how Kofi received the news, he disclosed that it came as a shock to him since he never dreamt of venturing into politics. As to what prompted the IPP presidential candidate to choose him, Kofi hinted: “he said he believes I have charisma and can help him. He also believes with my large following on radio, TV and social media, I could help him win 2016 election and help with publicity.”
 
Asked whether he was planning of quitting radio for his new office, Kofi said that chances of him going into politics is very slim since he doesn't want to go into politics. But as to whether he is accepting the offer from Mr.Akpalo he said he is yet to decide that.

So would Kofi's fans be happy with him going to do full time politics? Should he decide to do politics? Would that make him quit radio? Keep reading Flex newspaper for more information on this story and be rest assured that when Nwanwanii finally accepts the offer from IPP, your reliable Flex newspaper would give you all the details involved.

Richard Akanko

Kwaw Kese craziest performance ever

Shata Wale Performs at Ada Tigofest

Nollywood Actor, Jim Iyke Delivered at SCOAN

Dr. Cann, Please Respect Up And Coming Artistes!

Dr. Cann

Every Saturday, when I flip my dial through the various radio stations, I realize there are so many entertainment shows but for close to a year now, I have religiously been listening to Showbiz Xtra on Happy Fm hosted by Dr. Cann.

I must admit that Showbiz Xtra can be ranked among the best three showbiz discussion shows in Accra and the country as a whole .Kudos to Dr. Cann, his producer as well as his panelists for the good work done so far; award or no award, I still count you as one of my favorite radio presenters.
 
My praise for Showbiz Xtra does not in any way suggest that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the show. I was so much impressed when the Discovery of the Week segment was introduced as part of the show. However, I have a little issue with the way Dr. Cann conducts his interviews and I believe it`s time I advise him so he repents.

Quite unimpressively, whenever Dr. Cann interviews any artiste during the Discovery of the Week Segment, he does so hurriedly and sometimes creates the impression that the artiste in question is not too important. I have no idea what kind of agreement he has with the artistes before they get to the studio but one thing should be made clear; even if the artistes appear on the show without paying a dime that does not give Dr. Cann the audacity to treat them as nonentities. I would be so much surprised if he charges them for the interview and still treats them the way he does.

In as much as we need to encourage our artistes to be always time-conscious, I feel very uncomfortable whenever Dr. Cann condemns and castigates artistes when they appear on his show late. Such an attitude is likely to lower the morale of the artistes. I am very sure if an artiste like Sarkodie who is scheduled to be on his show, gets to the studio late, Dr. Cann may find it very difficult to condemn Sarkodie for getting to the studio late and also interview him hurriedly.
 
One thing Dr. Cann should do is to take his time and interview any artiste who makes an appearance on his show rather than do so hurriedly. He should treat the up and coming artistes the same way he would treat the superstars. It's much better to call off an interview in my opinion rather than do so hurriedly within 5 to 10 minutes.
 
I hope Dr. Cann takes my advice in good faith. I would still listen to the show and see if Dr. Cann would change his ways.''Dr.Cann, I am Affum but you can call me ''Afutser''. I rest my case.

Ebenezer Narh Affum

Is Highlife Musician Quarme Zaggy Safe On Facebook?

 Quarme Zaggy

In case you didn't know, Quarme Zaggy is the current sensation holding high the music flag of highlife in the country. If all other artistes would decide to stop doing highlife, Quarme Zaggy will never do so. His love and passion for highlife is what  culminated in the release of ''temi mole''.

After its release,''temi mole'' has been enjoying massive airplay all over the country. Almost everyone is enjoying the new tune and tipping him for some nominations in the next VGMA isn't too much to expect. Quarme Zaggy is a genius so far as highlife music is concerned and he is doing all his best to churn out more hits.
  
In as much as ''temi mole'' is doing very well in the country and getting Quarme Zaggy the needed recognition and the opportunity to perform at many shows, the young highlife artiste is still working hard in the studio. He performed at the Akwaboah Music Video Premier which had the likes of Richie, Jon Germain, Kwabena Kwabena and Akwaboah himself on stage and quite impressively, he had his performance being tagged as the best on the night.
 
Speaking to your evergreen Flex Newspaper in an exclusive interview, he stressed that he would soon release another single hit titled ''my desire''. The release of ''my desire'' would definitely take him to another level before he goes ahead to release the next single titled ''tonite'' featuring Kobby. Quarme Zaggy also noted that preparations are far advanced to ensure that the music video for his current hit ''temi mole'' is released soon.
 
Quarme Zaggy however revealed that ever since he released ''temi mole'' he has been receiving several death threats on Facebook. When he received the first threat, he didn't take it serious until he received subsequent threats from the same person (name withheld) which made him inform his management.
  
When asked what could have necessitated the death threats, Quarme Zaggy noted that he has no idea why someone would wish him dead but Quarme Zaggy and Flex Entertainment are taking the issue very seriously and would soon make a decision as to whether to report the threats to the police or totally ignore the threats. Irrespective of the threats, Quarme Zaggy is still focusing on his music career.
  
Flex Entertainment in a bid to ensure its artiste is safe to concentrate on his music career, would soon send an official complaint to Facebook to help in initial investigations and ensure whoever is behind the threats is brought to book.

Ebenezer Narh Affum

“Is Guru A Terrorist Agent?- Popuplar Kumasi Broadcaster Frankie Taylor Is Asking

 Frankie Taylor

Ever since a story was published in Flex newspaper last week concerning the latest dance craze in the country called “Alkayiida”, many are Guru fans who have been asking why his name is always attached to the dance and not any other artiste.
Don't be surprised that his name has been attached to the dance because he was the first person who gave reasons for that name and decided to change the perception of people on the dance. For coming out that early to do a PR job for the song, there is no way he can run away from it if something good or bad happens to it. At the moment, it is clear that the fight against the Alkayida song is really gaining roots in the entertainment industry.
 
Our assurance stems from Okyeame Kwame`s intervention on Adom fm last week Saturday where he confirmed that Musiga is meeting on the subject and they will come out with a directive within a shortest period. Okyeame Kwame added that Musiga will approach the few people who are pushing that brand of a dance and they will make sure they achieve their aim of putting a stop to the promotion of that song.
  
One loud mouth and influential person who has added his voice to this call to stop the promotion of Alkayida in Ghana is long serving radio presenter in the Ashanti region Odehyieba Frankie Taylor. Frankie Taylor is the host of African Express and Atumpan on Fox 97.9fm and also doubles as the executive producer for movie production firm Royals Films Production. Read what he told Flex newspaper last week in a telephone interview when he saw the first story. “This is a good course you guys have started and I want to add that I suspect Guru for taking some bribe of a sort from a terrorist group that is why he is pushing this agenda. I want to ask him whether he is a terrorist agent. This is not our culture and social values. If he thinks that he is not talking about them why is he portraying their dressing in their videos. The guy should be investigated by security agencies in the country before its too late” Frankie Taylor advised.
   
Frankie was also not too happy about RTP and their nominations adding that the organizers did not do any hard work in this nomination. “If they think this is a good work why did they not add the criteria to the nomination released. Some presenters have not been consistent in Kumasi yet they were nominated. If really they want us to respect this awards, then at least they should be fair and respect some of us in the job” he added.
   
Frankie Taylor is the longest serving presenter at Fox fm and the first presenter who spoke in a microphone at that station and still running the capital of Ashanti region every week day from 12:30-3:00pm like nobody`s business.                                                                                                                                                             by Elvis Rancey Baidoo

Flex On Pluzz Set To Shape The Entertainment Industry

sammy flex

Some years back, entertainment talk shows seemed to be absent on the various radio stations in the country but of late, almost every radio station has embraced the phenomenon of having entertainment talk shows. The upsurge of entertainment talk shows is helping to shape the entertainment industry in the right way.

However, of much concern has been the lack of creativity so far as some of the talk shows are concerned. In as much as it would be very difficult for the talk shows not to discuss the topical issues within the week,it seems most of the talk shows virtually do the same thing. Instead of setting the agenda for discussion on other important issues in the entertainment industry, almost every other talk show display lack of dynamism and creativity as they discuss issues that have been overly treated. To add more salt to injury, most of these entertainment talk shows all air on Saturdays which makes it difficult to monitor each one of them.

Quite fortunately, the newest and most refreshing entertainment talk show on Radio, Flex on Pluzz is set to create a difference in the entertainment industry. Unlike other entertainment talk shows that air on Saturday, Flex on Pluzz will spice up the Sunday of every lover of entertainment. Flex on Pluzz will air on Sundays from 3pm to 5pm on Pluzz 89.9 fm.
  
Just as the name implies, Flex on Pluzz is a collaboration between Flex Newspaper and Pluzz 89.9 fm. That notwithstanding, Flex on Pluzz will not only base its discussions on stories culled from the Flex Newspaper but would fairly treat stories from other entertainment newspapers ,blogs, websites etc.     It would also offer its listeners the best of interviews with the movers and shakers within the entertainment industry and also bring Ghanaian celebrities closer to its listeners.
  
Listeners of Flex on Pluzz can contribute to discussions through flexghana.com on Facebook and on whatsapp number 0272-166714. Flex on Pluzz will be hosted by the Managing Editor of Flex Newspaper, Samuel A. Baah aka Sammy Flex. His team of panelists who have in-depth knowledge of the entertainment landscape are ready to make your Sundays ''flexly''and 'pluzzfully'' educative, informative and entertaining.
 
Don't forget to make a date with Sammy Flex on a premiere date in this October and other subsequent Sundays on Pluzz 89.9 fm from 3pm to 5pm. “We will say it without fear or favour” is our motto.

Ebenezer Narh Affum

Bra Ernest Descends on Gospel Musicians: Accuses Them Of Being Noisy!!!

Bra Ernest

One name that has been on the lips of most gospel music lovers of late is Ernest Yeboah Bimpong King but known in showbiz circles as 'Bra Ernest.'

He told Flex newspaper in an exclusive interview that most Ghanaian gospel artistes are not singers but rather they are noise makers, so for decades after observing the industry and its ups and downs, he thinks what people need is motivation hence his maiden album  'Nkuranhye' (motivation).
 
He also disclosed that Ghana and the world should watch out for him because the talent in him is so great. He doesn't even write his songs but rather weaves them so when one gets the opportunity to listen to them, they could realize that he always tackles the inspirational aspect not only in writing songs whose lyrics request things from God, as most of his colleagues in the gospel fraternity do.

“It`s about time we educate and motivate music lovers with our good lyrics and that is why I am here with my 'Nkuranhye' album which is fully loaded with ten solid songs including 'Ensi Wo Yie' (3 John 2), 'Me Kra Dofo,' 'Odo Me' (Proverbs 26:2…3), 'Gilgal' (Josh 5:8….9), 'Obi Die Aba' (Ecc 9:11), 'Funtum Dadie' (Luke 9:62), 'Adekyie Mu Nsem,' 'Amma No Saaa,' 'Sing Hallelujah,' 'Asomdwoe Nkomo.'
  
He added that he has been underground for so long and he thanks God that he has finally arrived. After a successful hit of this particular album, he will dedicate one-third of his profit on the album sales to orphanage homes annually.
 
“This is because God has really done so much for me. So that will be my way of showing appreciation to him by given back to society. Moreover, Ghanaians should watch out for my collaboration with the legendary Dr Paa Bobo. This will be first of its kind in Ghanaian gospel circles when a gospel artiste is collaborating with a highlife artiste,” he said.
 
He took music very serious since 2006 and up till now, he has encountered challenges most of which is the financial aspect but when the grace of the Lord is upon you, all things are possible so lovers of gospel music should watch out for the official launch date to be announced by his management, though the album is not out officially.

He has performed his songs on TV Africa's 'Sound Splash' and on Friday he will be on eTV's 'Late Night Celebrity' show.  He will also be on TV3 'Music Music' on Saturday and on Sunday get closer to his fans in the Eastern Region on Vision FM.

Mr. Fredrick Mensah, the CEO of FM Management told Flex newspaper that he has worked with so many artistes and also looking at his experience from great people in the industry he thinks the future is bright for Ernest.  Follow Bra Ernest on twitter @braernest, face book braernest, youtube braernest and in case of shows and other details reach management on 0249-192559

David Offei Lartey

Lord Kenya`s Booming Evangelism Ministry : A Sign Of True Calling!!!

Lord Kenya

Like the Biblical saying, “many are called but few were chosen”: that statement seems to be playing a greater role on the face of our musicians who crossed carpet to the other divide thus from gospel music to secular music.

So far, many names have come up in this regard and most of them are doing stuff behind the scenes without much information about their new found love. Lord Kenya is one person who crossed carpet to the Holy Ghost divide and it made serious headlines in the entertainment industry. Though there were many big names like Ofori Amponsah who was also arrested by the Holy Ghost and it became such a big deal in our industry, not much is being heard or seen of him afterwards but Lord Kenya seems to be every where one goes like MTN.
 
Whilst Ofori Amponsah declared that he had been called by God to become a prophet to the people, Lord Kenya was certain that he is to evangelize to lost souls therefore the name Evangelist Lord Kenya. Despite his rough edge beginning where some people even doubted the originality of his calling, the former Slip Music artiste has overcome all pull him down strings and is pushing hard close to the kingdom.
  
A walk around town is a clear proof that the Lord in evangelism is currently the hottest evangelist in the country as his posters are seen in almost every corner in the capital announcing his programme with one church or another. We at Flex newspaper are very happy for Lord Kenya because his ministry is on the ascendancy and this goes ahead to prove to his followers that he has been accepted by the church folks. It can be recalled that our own Kwame Dadzie published a piece where he was doubtful whether Ofori Amponsah`s new gospel songs will be accepted by the Christian folk. We only hope Kwame will not come across as a prophet of doom.
 
We must state here that after the first weeks in his (Ofori Amponsah`s) promotion, not much is being heard of him again especially with his songs. More questions are running through our minds than answers and we only hope his own ministry he started in Accra will also flourish just like Lord Kenya`s ministry. Ofori Amponsah was noted to have prophesied unto the lives of some journalists in the country who testified that really and truly the man is now a born again Christian.   
  
Now the next thing we are trying to do is to visit one of the churches he (Lord Kenya) has been billed to preach and we will bring reports of how the power of God moved through him to the people. Flex newspaper reporters have spotted a poster of Lord Kenya and gospel songstress Celestine Donkor ready to deliver at a programme through the power of God at a church in Kwashieman and we hope to be there to experience the power of God to do wonders among the people.
  
May be what is working for Lord Kenya is his ability to cease every opportunity he gets to preach the word of God to people who hear him from near and far. We remember a performance at the Empire back in the day concert where he preached on stage when he was supposed to perform. He also hijacked a Dr Cann entertainment interview and preached for close to 10 minutes when the real interview had ended. Lord Kenya is undoubtedly now the leading evangelist in Accra and we know he is doing much better even in Kumasi.